title: The blood neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio correlates with clinical status in children with cystic fibrosis: a retrospective study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The blood neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been identified as a potentially useful marker of clinical outcome in disease states with an inflammatory component. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between NLR and clinical status in children with cystic fibrosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a retrospective chart review. Data collected included NLR, body mass index, and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) while asymptomatic, and during hospitalizations for pulmonary exacerbation. An NLR breakpoint of 3 was used for comparisons of body mass index and FEV1.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 159 charts were reviewed. An NLR ≥ 3 was significantly associated with lower body mass index and lower FEV1. NLR during hospitalization was significantly higher than NLR while asymptomatic. NLR measured during the first 3 months of life was negatively correlated with FEV1 at age 12.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  NLR correlates with clinical status in children with cystic fibrosis and may be a useful biomarker in this population.
authors.affiliation: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America ; University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology Little Rock, Arkansas United States.
authors.forename: Catherine E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: O'Brien
authors.forename: Elvin T
authors.initials: ET
authors.lastname: Price
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D001823:Body Composition; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000473:pathology*
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers